In a thrilling European Challenge Cup clash, Edinburgh secured their first win of the season with a commanding 34-21 victory over Castres, who played with 14 men for a significant part of the match. The game had it all – tries, drama, and standout performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Castres got off to a flying start as Antoine Bouzerand scored a sensational long-range try, capitalizing on a Ben Healy pass that went astray. However, Edinburgh quickly struck back, with Wes Goosen crossing the line after some slick handling in the midfield.
The pivotal moment arrived when Adrea Cocagi, playing for Castres, was shown a red card for a high tackle on Harry Paterson. Cocagi’s early exit gave Edinburgh a numerical advantage, and they capitalized on it.
Duhan van der Merwe, Ali Price, and Matt Currie all scored tries for Edinburgh before halftime, showcasing their attacking prowess. Van der Merwe’s try was a result of some lovely passing by Healy, and the winger made no mistake in the corner.
Edinburgh dominated in the scrum, and Castres’ struggles continued as Aurelien Azar was sent to the sin-bin just before halftime. Edinburgh exploited the extra space brilliantly, with Price and Currie adding to the scoreline with tries of their own. Price’s try was a result of a clever dummy, while Healy’s precise pass set up Currie for an easy finish.
As the second half began, Castres attempted a comeback with the wind at their backs. They threatened the Edinburgh defense but were held up over the line on two occasions. Instead, it was Edinburgh who extended their lead as Van der Merwe bulldozed his way through the defense for his second try of the match.
Castres did manage to salvage some pride with late tries from Wayan de Benedittis and Leone Nakarawa, but it was too little, too late. Despite their late rally, Castres couldn’t overcome the early setback caused by Cocagi’s red card.
Throughout the match, Edinburgh showcased their attacking flair and took full advantage of the numerical advantage handed to them by Castres’ indiscipline. With this impressive victory, Edinburgh has marked their presence in the European Challenge Cup and will be looking to build on this momentum in the matches to come.
In summary, Edinburgh’s thrilling win over Castres was a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess. Despite an early setback, they capitalized on their numerical advantage and produced an exciting brand of rugby that will surely delight their fans. This victory will serve as a significant confidence boost for Edinburgh as they continue their European Challenge Cup campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about European Challenge Cup Victory
Q: Who were the standout players in Edinburgh’s victory over Castres?
A: While Edinburgh’s victory was a team effort, standout performances came from Duhan van der Merwe, who scored two tries, and Ali Price, who not only scored a try but also showcased brilliant playmaking skills. Additionally, Wes Goosen made a significant impact with his try, and Ben Healy’s accurate passing played a crucial role in setting up tries for his teammates.
Q: What was the turning point in the match?
A: The turning point in the match was Adrea Cocagi’s red card for a high tackle. This early dismissal gave Edinburgh a numerical advantage, allowing them to build pressure, dominate territory, and score multiple tries. Cocagi’s red card shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home team.
Q: How did Edinburgh’s performance compare to their previous match against Clermont?
A: Edinburgh wanted to bounce back from their previous performance against Clermont, where they were soundly beaten by a much-rotated side. In this match against Castres, Edinburgh displayed a much-improved performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and taking full advantage of their opponent’s vulnerabilities. It was a stark contrast to their previous outing, and the win will undoubtedly boost their confidence moving forward.
Q: What impact did the wind have on the game?
A: The swirling wind in the capital had an early impact on the match, with a Ben Healy pass going to ground and leading to Castres’ first try. However, as the game progressed, Edinburgh adapted well to the conditions and focused on their attacking game, ultimately securing a comfortable victory. While the wind played a role, it didn’t hinder Edinburgh’s ability to execute their game plan effectively.
Q: How did Edinburgh’s scrum dominance contribute to their victory?
A: Edinburgh’s scrum dominance was a key factor in their victory. They consistently put pressure on Castres at scrum time, leading to several penalties against the French side. This dominance not only provided them with a platform to attack but also resulted in a Castres player being sent to the sin-bin, further increasing Edinburgh’s numerical advantage. Their scrum performance was instrumental in controlling the game and securing the win.
More about European Challenge Cup Victory
- BBC Sport – Edinburgh 34-21 Castres: Five-try hosts secure first European Challenge Cup win of season
- European Challenge Cup Official Website
- Edinburgh Rugby Official Website
- Castres Olympique Official Website
- WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) Official Website
3 comments
wow, Edinburh rlly rocked it in dis game! they shwed so much guts and strngth. Castres messed up bad with that red card.
didn’t c the game, but sounds like castres had a tough time. what’s next 4 both teams?
van der merwe was on fire 2day! Healy’s pass game was A+ too. gud win by edinbruh, big diff from last week.